Borough Council

130th REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD, NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY CENTER 55 JEFFERSON AVENUE JANUARY 2nd, 2024 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Arroyo calls the 130th Reorganization Meeting of the Mayor and Council to order at 7:00 p.m. and reads the Open Public Meetings Law Statement. 2. FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION: Special guest, Jackson Skiba leads the Pledge of Allegiance and the Colors are being presented by the Westwood Fire Department Color Guard. The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Pranschke. 3. MAYOR - ELECT: Ray Arroyo is administered his Oath of Office as Mayor of the Council for a four year term expiring 12/31/27, by Borough Attorney Emeritus, Russell Huntington. 4. COUNCILMEMBERS - ELECT: Erin Collins is administered her Oath of Office as Member of the Council for a three year term expiring 12/31/26, by Frederick C. Goetz, Esq. Lauren Letizia is administered her Oath of Office as Member of the Council for a three year term expiring 12/31/26, by Mayor Ray Arroyo. 5. ROLL CALL Deputy Borough Clerk Vadovic calls the roll for the fully constituted 2024 Mayor and Council. Mayor Arroyo Present Councilmember Bicocchi Present Councilmember Collins Present Councilmember Dell Present Councilmember Greco Present Councilmember Hodges Present Councilmember Letizia Present Borough Administrator Ayer Present Borough Clerk Hughes Present Deputy Borough Clerk Vadovic Present 6. SELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR 2024 Resolution #24-1: Nomination of 2024 Council President: Councilmember Bicocchi nominated Councilmember Cheryl Hodges as Council President for 2024. Seconded by Councilmember Greco. Roll Call. Councilmember Bicocchi yes Councilmember Collins yes Councilmember Dell yes Councilmember Greco yes Councilmember Hodges yes Council President Letizia yes 7. DESIGNATION OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2024 Under Designation of Council Committee Assignments, Mayor Arroyo designated the following Council Committee appointments for the year 2024: COMMITTEE LIAISON DEPUTY LIAISON Finance, Admin. & Cap. Projects Erin Collins Cheryl Hodges Fire & Ambulance Beth Dell Erin Collins Police & Emergency Mgt. Robert Bicocchi Beth Dell Land Use Lauren Letizia Anthony Greco Public Properties & Recreation Anthony Greco Lauren Letizia Health & Hospital Cheryl Hodges Robert Bicocchi 8. APPOINTMENT OF BOROUGH PROFESSIONALS A. Borough Attorney Resolution #24-2 Appointment of Borough Attorney – Levi J. Kool, Esq. Motion to Approve Resolution #24-2: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Hodges Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Council President Hodges – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Letizia - Yes B. Borough Engineer Resolution #24-3 Appointment of Borough Engineer – Dr. Stephen Boswell, Boswell Engineering Motion to Approve Resolution #24-3: Councilmember Collins Second: Councilmember Letizia Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Council President Hodges – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Letizia - Yes C. Various Borough Professionals Resolution #24-4 Awarding Contracts Exempt from Public Bidding Council President Hodges made a motion to appoint: Position Firm Designee Borough Auditor Lerch, Vinci & Bliss Gary Vinci, RMA Commercial Appraiser McNerney & Associates Robert McNerney Residential Appraiser Associated Appraisal Group Rick DelGuercio In-Rem Attorney Pellegrino & Feldstein Mike Pellegrino, Esq. Labor Attorney Wiss & Bouregy, PC Raymond Wiss, Esq. Borough Planner Burgis Associates Ed Sneickus, PP Historic Consultant Tim Adriance Hist. Restoration Tim Adriance Bond Counsel Rogut McCarthy, LLC Steven Rogut, Esq Municipal Administrative Agent Steven J. Weinberg Prosecutor Gregory Irwin, Esq. Public Defender Albert Wunsch III, Esq. IT Consultant DART Computer Services Douglas Neumetzger Financial Consultant Phoenix Advisors David Thompson Risk Manager PIA Frank Covelli Grant Writer Fred Rella Motion to Approve Resolution #24-4: Council President Hodges Second: Councilmember Dell Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Council President Hodges – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Letizia - Yes 9. PUBLIC FORUM: Motion to open Agenda/Public Forum: Councilmember Bicocchi Second: Councilmember Greco Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the Affirmative. Michelle Kaufmann of WEDO Bergen County presented a certificate to Erin Collins on being elected for her third term as Councilwoman of the Borough of Westwood. Motion to close Agenda/Public Forum: Councilmember Bicocchi Second: Councilmember Letizia Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the Affirmative. 10. BUDGET MEETINGS: Mayor Arroyo informed the public that preliminary work has been done on the 2024 Municipal Budget, and a schedule of Budget Meetings will soon be posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board and Borough website. 11. CONSENT AGENDA Motion to Approve Resolutions #24-5 through #24-38: Councilmember Dell Second: Councilmember Greco Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Council President Hodges – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Letizia - Yes Resolution Titles 24-5 OFFICIAL ELECTRONIC MEDIA 24-6 DEPOSITORIES OF FUNDS 24-7 AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENT SIGNATORIES FOR 2024 24-8 FACSIMILE SIGNATURES ON CHECKS 24-9 ESTABLISHMENT OF INT. RATES ON DELINQUENT TAXES & ASSESS. 24-10 ADOPTION OF PETTY CASH & CREDIT CARD POLICIES 24-11 ESTABLISHMENT OF PETTY CASH FUND 24-12 ESTABLISHMENT OF PETTY CASH FUND FOR RECREATION 24-13 ESTABLISHMENT OF PETTY CASH FUND FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE 24-14 DEPOSITORY OF ATTENDANCE RECORDS 24-15 APPOINTMENT OF ASSESSMENT SEARCH OFFICER 24-16 APPOINTMENT OF TAX SEARCH OFFICER 24-17 MAGISTRATE’S ORDER DESIGNATING VIOLATIONS CLERK 24-18 APPOINTMENT TAX ASSESSOR / ATTORNEY – TAX APPEALS 24-19 2024 MUNICIPAL HOLIDAYS 24-20 OFFICIAL BOROUGH NEWSPAPERS 24-21 $25.00 CHARGE FOR PAYMENTS MADE WITH INSUFFICIENT FUNDS 24-22 $5.00 CHARGE FOR TAX ACCOUNT REPORTS TO SEARCH COMPANIES 24-23 TAX SALE COSTS 24-24 CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN 2024 24-25 AUTHORIZATION OF A FEE FOR ISSUANCE OF DUPLICATE TAX SALE CERTIFICATES 24-26 BERGEN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT MUTUAL AID 24-27 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2024 24-28 TEMPORARY BUDGET 24-29 AUTHORIZING DIRECT WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM 24-30 AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF MONEYS WITHOUT REQUIRING VENDOR CERTIFICATION 24-31 AUTHORIZING ELECTRONIC TAX SALE 24-32 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD THROUGH THE WESTWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT OFFICE, 1033 PROGRAM TO ENABLE THE WESTWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST AND ACQUIRE EXCESS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EQUIPMENT 24-33 RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FORM REQUIRED TO BE USED FOR THE FILING OF NOTICES OF TORT CLAIMS AGAINST THE BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW JERSEY TORT CLAIMS ACT, NJSA 59:8-6 24-34 APPOINTMENT OF WESTWOOD-HILLSDALE SHARED COURT PRESIDING JUDGE 24-35 APPOINTMENT OF WESTWOOD-HILLSDALE SHARED COURT ALTERNATE JUDGE 24-36 APPOINTMENT OF WESTWOOD-HILLSDALE SHARED COURT DEPUTY COURT ADMINISTRATOR 24-37 APPOINTMENT OF WESTWOOD-HILLSDALE SHARED COURT VIOLATIONS CLERK 24-38 APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY OEM COORDINATORS 12. ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS AND DESIGNATIONS TO VARIOUS MUNICIPAL OFFICES: Mayor Arroyo appointed the following individuals to the Municipal Offices specified: Administrator Durene Ayer – Affirmative Action Compliance Official, Fund Commissioner B-MED, B-MEL & JIF Councilmember Rob Bicocchi – Alternate Fund Commissioner B-MED, B-MEL & JIF Karen Hughes – Assessment Search Officer, Local Ethics Official, Municipal Housing Liaison Jean-Marie Vadovic – Deputy Borough Clerk Letitia Candeloro – Court Administrator Rick Woods – Recycling Coordinator, Clean Community Coordinator Stacy Gravina – Right-To-Know Coordinator, Bloodborne Pathogens Coordinator Vincent Buono – Tax Search Officer Robert Hibler – Borough Historian Cathy Harrington – Master Gardener Oaths of offices were administered by Attorney Levi J. Kool, Esq. 13. APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS Mayor Arroyo recommended the following appointments and asked the Council Liaison to each Board to announce the appointments. Council President Hodges read: Board of Health Sue McCloskey, Member said term to expire 12/31/26 Louise Cue, Member said term to expire 12/31/26 Donna Bott, Member said term to expire 12/31/26 Diamantis Kyriakakis, Alt. #1 said term to expire 12/31/25 Cheryl Hodges, Council Liaison Westwood Parking Utility Joe Letizia said term to expire 12/31/28 Cheryl Hodges, Council Liaison Flood Liaisons Council President Cheryl Hodges Councilmember Erin Collins Councilmember Bicocchi read: Safety Committee – (Annual Appointments) Linda Aiello, Member Lt. Mark Foley, PD Member Darren Blankenbush, Safety Delegate Gary Buchheister, Member Ed Casey, Ambulance Member Ryan Weaver, Member Elizabeth Tallman, Member Cathy Carvalho, Member Richard Woods, Alternate Safety Delegate Jean-Marie Vadovic, Member Carol Knubel, Member MaryBeth Netzer, Member Rob Bicocchi, Council Liaison Westwood Municipal Alliance (Annual Terms Expiring 12/31/24) Gary Buchheister, Recreation Representative Margaret Montenare, School Representative Officer Tristan Gantner, Police Representative Mary-Beth Netzer, Health Department Representative Rob Bicocchi, Council Liaison Technology Committee & Website Committee Councilmember Rob Bicocchi, Council Liaison Councilmember Collins read: Shade Tree Committee Christine Blaney said term to expire 12/31/28 Erin Collins, Council Liaison Local Assistance Board Pastor Thomas Pranschke said term to expire 12/31/27 Erin Collins, Council Liaison Councilmemmber Dell read: Library Board of Trustees Michael Violano, Member said term to expire 12/31/28 Linda Phayre, Mayor’s Alternate said term to expire12/31/24 Claudia Gonzales-Doell, Superintendent’s Alternate said term to expire 12/31/24 Beth Dell, Council Liaison Councilmember Greco read: Senior Advisory Committee MaryJo Guadagno, Resident Member said term to expire 12/31/26 Maureen Italiano, Alt. #2, WW House said term to expire 12/31/26 Anthony Greco, Council Liaison Environmental Advisory Committee Norel Blundo, Member said term to expire 12/31/26 Anthony Greco, Council Liaison Heritage Society Anthony Greco, Council Liaison Councilmember Letizia read: Zoning Board of Adjustment Peter Grefrath, Member said term to expire 12/31/27 Erik Oakes, Member said term to expire 12/31/27 Frank Mantz the unexpired term of L. Letizia, said term to expire 12/31/25 John Rutigliano Alternate #1 term, said term to expire 12/31/25 Jim Hodges, Alternate #2, said term to expire 12/31/24 Lauren Letizia, Council Liaison Historic Preservation Commission Jackie Martin, Class C said term to expire 12/31/27 Christine Schlielder, Class C said term to expire 12/31/27 Steve Lydon, Class A said term to expire 12/31/27 Motion to accept the appointees as recommended: Councilmember Greco Second: Councilmember Letizia Roll Call: Councilmember Bicocchi - Yes Councilmember Greco – Yes Councilmember Collins – Yes Council President Hodges – Yes Councilmember Dell – Yes Councilmember Letizia - Yes b) Mayor’s Appointments, not subject to Council approval: Recreation Advisory Board Yash Risbud, member said term to expire 12/31/26 Holta Xhillari, member said term to expire 12/31/26 Tim McDevitt, member said term to expire 12/31/26 Micky Riciardella, Alt. #2 said term to expire 12/31/26 Planning Board William Martin, Class II said term to expire 12/31/24 Anthony Zorovich, Class IV said term to expire 12/31/28 Beth Staples, Alt. #1 said term to expire 12/31/25 Oath of Offices were administered by Borough Clerk Hughes. 14. OATHS OF OFFICE, AMBULANCE CORPS OFFICIALS Captain Rush Sherman Secretary Bonnie Costello 1st Lt. Nicole De Joie Treasurer Jerry Sheridan nd 2 Lt. Kris Rasmussen Trustee Matt Foley President Jon Andresen Trustee Kali Spoelstra Vice President Anthony Petruccelli Trustee Jeri Bowman Trustee Dan Olivier The Ambulance Corps officials oaths of offices were administered by Borough Clerk Hughes. 15. MAYOR ARROYO INTRODUCED SENATOR HOLLY SCHEPISI Senator Holly Schepisi spoke, congratulating Mayor Arroyo, Councilmember Collins, and Councilmember Letizia on their election to office for the Borough of Westwood. 16. OATHS OF OFFICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS Councilmember Dell read the names of the Fire Department Officers for 2024. Chief Brian Kronewitter 1st Lieutenant Ryan Weaver Deputy Chief Bryan Wiecenski 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Voorhis Senior Captain Scott Stewart 3rd Lieutenant Brian Katz Captain Michael Griffin, Jr. 4th Lieutenant Matthew Velthaus Oaths of offices were administered by Borough Clerk Hughes. 17. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS a) Volunteer Emergency Services Hall of Fame: Ex-Chief Voorhis came up and said a few words about 2023’s Fire Department Hall of Fame recipients Jayme Hodges and Dan O’Brien. Captain Sherman came forward to say a few words about 2023’s Ambulance Corps Hall of Fame recipient Anthony Petruccelli. b) Volunteer of the Year Council President Hodges read a Proclamation for Volunteer of the Year Dan Olivier. 18. MAYOR’S REMARKS Mayor Arroyo spoke about the years past and the year to come. 19. BENEDICTION The Benediction was delivered by Pastor Sutton of the Lebanon Baptist Church. 20. ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn: Councilmember Bicocchi Second: Councilmember Collins Voice Vote: Voice Vote: A voice vote was taken with all present voting in the affirmative. Attest: Jean-Marie Vadovic, Deputy Borough Clerk Proofed by: Karen Hughes, Borough Clerk